Week of May 5-10
Visiting the Grojogan Sewu (1000 waters) waterfall outside of Solo with the younger missionaries and President and Sister Donald.
Closing ceremony with the Autism House.

                      These first few pictures are for our oldest grandson Drew and 'flat Stanley.' Sister Lucherini with Sister Donald and Flat Stanley, of course! He loved Indonesia!

Grojogan Sewu (1000 waters) waterfall and the as always, the spectacular countryside

 

          Choki Simanungkalit, our driver and translator in the Solo area. A good friend.

 

When we can we try to take the missionaries with us on a prep day. They don't have access to a vehicle so it is a special treat for them, and we of course enjoy the opportunity to be with them. They are wonderful young men and women from all over the world. Another great blessing of serving a mission! Our Mission Pres., President Donald.

                                             Flat Stanley...for our grandson Drew

 

This was the walking path down to the waterfall. It is almost as beautiful as the falls themselves

And of course, we just can't help but capture the pictures on the drive through the countryside

Autism House
This is a project that we have been involved in for the past several months. While there are resources available to assist parents who have children with severe autism, ADHD, Downs syndrome and other disabilities, they are expensive and really aren't an option for poorer families. Months ago we found a organization that had  8 different homes located throughout Jakarta that offered a home for teaching and assisting these special children. While their homes are available to anyone, their primary focus is for children and families of lower income.  Those who often don't have access to needed resources. We came to appreciate they were an experienced and capable  organization, with a commitment to a vision and mission of service , and a track record of success. Through church humanitarian funds we were able to provide pieces of equipment (sewing machine, embroidery machine, laminating machine, washing machine, tire repair compressor, etc.) donated to help the older children learn life skills to assist them towards becoming more independent and self reliant. We also provided some much needed office equipment to support.
On May 10th we participated in what we call a 'handover ceremony,' where in essence we come together to officially handover the materials, and for all to express appreciation for the opportunity to work together in a common goal of helping these children become successful.

                                  Some of the children using the new compressor to wash

"Many hands make light work." We had a full van of donated materials and equipment that the kids unloaded in minutes.

                                                        New bookshelves and cabinets

                               New  tire compressor above and the washing machine below

                                    These are the pictures from the handover ceremony

 Many of the leaders from the Autism House,Andi far left, Lisna, Dini, Tatw and the executive director M. Nelwansyah (Far right). A kind man and very grateful for all the help they received.

 As part of the ceremony several of the kids dressed in sarong's (look like a skirt), and a hat then danced and sang for the audience. The lead singer's name was Mal

Getting ready for their performance. They were great. It was such a fun thing to watch. Mal, the main singer just sang his heart out!!

 

 

 

 

 

 The singers: Saldi, Jahill and Mal. One of the songs they sang was '"You are my brother, you are my sister, we are family."  We were deeply touched by these special kids.

 

                                        Bro Prio, 1st counselor in the Bekasi Ward Bishopric spoke in behalf of the LDS Church and the local congregation.

 

 M.Nelwansyah presenting to the church a pictorial collage of the children utilizing the various equipment.

Sardi, a local tribal leader from the community

 

 

 

As some of the speakers commented, "we may come from different faiths, but we come here united in serving God. He loves these children, he loves their parents, and he loves all those who serve to help them.